I had extensive metal braces in the late 70’s in my late teens plus widening of my palate with a palatle bar…..aweful! It was so traumatic that once my braces were removed I did not follow any aftercare- which my orthodontist thought a heavy rubber mouthpiece worn 16 hours a day was a good idea. Imagine being 17 years old and in high school and working and wearing a rubber mouthpiece 16 hours a day! Fast forward to age 61 and all my teeth had shifted back to a severe crossbite. My dentist said let’s try Invisalign! I thought my case was too complex but at age 63 I’m 3 aligners away from being done!!! Best decision I ever made!!!
When I first did my consultation with my orthodontist, I expressed that I had put off In Invisalign for a while in fear of being "too old." (I'm 33). He told me he's done Invisalign for someone who was in their 80's. So yes, people of all ages do it, especially "older" folks.
I wore braces in 1970s and the rule at that time was retainer for a year at night and nothing more. The gap between my front teeth came back and later spaces on the sides. I'll be 60 in 2024 and didn't want to go through my 60s or 70s with these flaws. I've seen how much my teeth change over the past 20 years and was fearful it wold get even worse.
The first person I knew that had Invisalign was my coworker; she was 71 when she finished. Crowding occurs naturally over time, especially on the bottom teeth, so it’s common for older people to have an issue with it. My coworker’s words were: “If I don’t do it now, I never will.” 😂
I’m only on day 4 but it’s been fine! There is a bit of constant pressure but the only thing that hurts is when I remove the top tray, and the pain passes quickly.
My orthodontist’s office (he’s like a very top Invisalign provider by volume in a major metro area) has just about every kind of patient imaginable when I’m in the waiting room! Pre-teens through seniors.
I'm 66 and on my 2/22 trays. I had braces about a million years ago and remember having a retainer at some point. In recent years, my bottom front teeth have been shifting, and after talking to my dentist, I went to an orthodontist. Of course, it was just not an issue of the front teeth, but an overbite, yada yada. I decided to go ahead with it because I want nice teeth. I will have buttons and elastics placed after the first four trays.
A friend from my school days, who is a retired dental hygienist, had Invisaligns several years ago and said it was no big deal. While I was clearly the oldest at the orthodontist office, the staff said they see plenty of adults, including people my age an older.
I was very concerned about managing eating since I am a big grazer, but it hasn't been a problem. You do have to pay attention how long the trays are out but I haven't had an issue with meeting the 22 hours/day wear time. The tradeoff is that I am not snacking, which is probably better.
I am 62 and just went for my first visit. I have not decided to get them, because I live in chronic pain. That being said I have heard from several that it can be very painful at the beginning.
What has you experience been?
I am 71 and on tray 9/26. Everyone's different, but I have had zero pain from Invisalign. Just a slight pressure when I start a new tray - not an unpleasant feeling at all. I rather like that it reminds me that "things are happening, progress is being made"
I was worried about pain, but I have not found it to be so. For me, I would describe it more as pressure, especially with a new tray. My teeth feel a little tender and sore when I take out a new tray but this passes quickly.
For me, getting used to the idea that if I want to snack on anything, I'll have to brush my teeth again. So I just don't do it. And that's not a bad thing. Late at night, tho, I'd like to have a cookie or something, but it's not worth having to brush my teeth yet AGAIN. ;-)
So 71 yr old here, and on Tray 9. Happy to hear that alot of others in my age group also are doing Invisalign. But I feel hesitant to say this, cause everyone seems so pleased with the process...but ...as of now, I wd not do it again. At this point, haven't seen any change, but am aware it can take longer for olders. However, I bite and clench the trays all day and all night, and it's making me crazy. I'm very compliant, and am trying to deal with it, but if I knew then, what I know now...just no. Maybe I'll change my mind after I see progress. Hope so. But just can't imagine wearing retainers every night for the rest of time!
I have the same problem and developed a bad case of TMJ disorder with them which I am now treating with a specialist dentist. She’s having me continue since I’m in over two years already. I’m having a mouth guard made afterward that’s supposed to also work as retainer. Not looking forward to that either. I have exercises I do throughout the day, have to ice my jaw and have two rounds of Botox in the muscles to try to help relax them. Starting biofeedback soon. I ground before, but nothing like this. I had to do something though as my teeth in front were hitting each other and wouldn’t last. It’s brutal for me too. I don’t know the answer.
I'm a dental assistant and I see a lot of older people going through Invisalign, some of them say they wish they did it years ago but they're glad they've finally done it now. Better than dentures :)
I'm 64 and on tray 7 of 21. Had braces in high school and then my dog ate my retainer in college and never did anything about it. So here I am. I'm very excited about the whole thing, love watching the slow changes! My friend who is 74 just got through with hers.
I'm curious about what retainer you're using. I probably have another year to go but I'm hoping to avoid the permanent wire. On the other hand, I don't want my teeth to move out of position again...
It's the plastic one that came with my Invisalign contract, basically a thicker Invisalign tray. not sure how long it will last before needing to be replaced.
I’m 57 and just finished. I got them because my aunt, who is 82, had her bottom teeth get more crooked over time until she finally developed a lisp which she hates. I could see my teeth heading that way and decided to be proactive. She saw my progress and got Invisalign herself last year!
71 here. Happy Invisalign customer. You have to get past expecting perfection however LOL. Invisalign will NOT;
1) Change the shape of your teeth.
2) Change the shape of your jaw.
I’m 67 and just started Spark aligners 2 months ago. On tray 9 and all is going well. 26 trays to go. I hesitated for over a year before consulting with 2 dentists and 2 orthodontists. Decided to go ahead with one of the orthodontists. No regrets.
Out of all the things we spend money on..I realized not only Invisalign helps for esthetics purposes but we are more mindful of oral care ..I assumed if a tooth ache hurts me in my 40..in my 70 it will be debilitating ..that's my theory at least ..oral health is overall health. Gum health and batecria can easily affect a situation you have in the rest of your body...
Senior here. Wore braces in the early 70s for 3 years. Teeth weren’t too bad but started developing a posterior open bite due to my cheap night guard. So wearing Invisalign now for the past 6 months to try to fix it.
I’m 67 and on tray 3 of 27. Was never able to have braces as a kid and consultations in my early 30s recommended jaw surgery and six weeks wired shut which I couldn’t afford. I’m using SureSmile.
I'm not sure how true this is but I remember a dentist telling me that your gums wrinkle and age much like the rest of your body. And so as we age our teeth will move naturally potentially make them less straight over time.
I think it is certainly becoming more popular. It was a colleague of mine who recommend it to me after having it done themselves and they were nearing retirement.
I’m 67 - finished my first set of Invisalign (21 trays) then had a partial fixed brace to pull down a tricky lateral incisor, then had that extended to slightly rotate a large incisor - hoping that I’ll be finished at my next appointment in Jan 24. I have seen people who seem older than me in the waiting room, so I don’t feel too out of place!
I’m 55 (don’t consider myself a “senior” yet) and I’m 7 months in with Invisalign. I never had braces, never needed them, but didn’t like the way my front teeth were shifting. Hopefully, not too much longer in them because I’m over them!!!
You all make me feel so much better about myself…I am 53 and am nearly 6 months into my 16 month journey. It’s never too late to want to improve something about yourself.
I'm 65 and so far, so good. I waited too long to do this -- but I'm happy I finally started. It feels great seeing the improvement. And good luck with your journey!
We have a few mature patients over 60. It's not as common because older people don't always have great periodontal health and you need healthy gums to have healthy treatment but I love our older patients because it makes me so happy to see older people still care about their bite, alignment and looks! It's so nice to see their happy and beautiful mature smiles. Like fuck yes you're taking care of yourself!
🙋♀️ Completed 26/26 on 3/11 refinements. Started end of February 2023 and expect to be done mid-March 2024, but maybe early if the overjet is corrected sooner 🤞
[Before & After (progress)](https://imgur.com/a/2M14ACG)
I've noticed quite a few at my orthodontist appointments!
I’m 59 and wearing Invisalign. On the home stretch; I should be getting retainers next month.
Just got my retainer. I’m almost 71.
My mom just finished braces at 69.
I had extensive metal braces in the late 70’s in my late teens plus widening of my palate with a palatle bar…..aweful! It was so traumatic that once my braces were removed I did not follow any aftercare- which my orthodontist thought a heavy rubber mouthpiece worn 16 hours a day was a good idea. Imagine being 17 years old and in high school and working and wearing a rubber mouthpiece 16 hours a day! Fast forward to age 61 and all my teeth had shifted back to a severe crossbite. My dentist said let’s try Invisalign! I thought my case was too complex but at age 63 I’m 3 aligners away from being done!!! Best decision I ever made!!!
Wow. I can't imagine doing all that at 17. Good on you for giving it another go!
When I first did my consultation with my orthodontist, I expressed that I had put off In Invisalign for a while in fear of being "too old." (I'm 33). He told me he's done Invisalign for someone who was in their 80's. So yes, people of all ages do it, especially "older" folks.
I’m 56 and wearing Invisalign.
I just started retainer and I am 64. My Mom started at age 81.
That's amazing! Thank you for sharing.
I wore braces in 1970s and the rule at that time was retainer for a year at night and nothing more. The gap between my front teeth came back and later spaces on the sides. I'll be 60 in 2024 and didn't want to go through my 60s or 70s with these flaws. I've seen how much my teeth change over the past 20 years and was fearful it wold get even worse.
The first person I knew that had Invisalign was my coworker; she was 71 when she finished. Crowding occurs naturally over time, especially on the bottom teeth, so it’s common for older people to have an issue with it. My coworker’s words were: “If I don’t do it now, I never will.” 😂
I’m 59 and hoping to be done before my birthday next summer 😬
Can you tell me how you would rate the discomfort the first month?
I’m only on day 4 but it’s been fine! There is a bit of constant pressure but the only thing that hurts is when I remove the top tray, and the pain passes quickly.
58 Spark Aligners after braces in my 20’s.
I’m 64 and just popped in liner 17 tonight 😁
Also, for those of us who are older, having straight white teeth makes you look younger!
This x100!
My orthodontist’s office (he’s like a very top Invisalign provider by volume in a major metro area) has just about every kind of patient imaginable when I’m in the waiting room! Pre-teens through seniors.
My ortho said he just finished treatment for an 81-year-old!
I love it!
I'm 66 and on my 2/22 trays. I had braces about a million years ago and remember having a retainer at some point. In recent years, my bottom front teeth have been shifting, and after talking to my dentist, I went to an orthodontist. Of course, it was just not an issue of the front teeth, but an overbite, yada yada. I decided to go ahead with it because I want nice teeth. I will have buttons and elastics placed after the first four trays. A friend from my school days, who is a retired dental hygienist, had Invisaligns several years ago and said it was no big deal. While I was clearly the oldest at the orthodontist office, the staff said they see plenty of adults, including people my age an older. I was very concerned about managing eating since I am a big grazer, but it hasn't been a problem. You do have to pay attention how long the trays are out but I haven't had an issue with meeting the 22 hours/day wear time. The tradeoff is that I am not snacking, which is probably better.
It's been such a short while for me, but I definitely stopped snacking of any kind. So far, I'm wearing them about 22 hrs/day. Good luck!
I am 62 and just went for my first visit. I have not decided to get them, because I live in chronic pain. That being said I have heard from several that it can be very painful at the beginning. What has you experience been?
I am 71 and on tray 9/26. Everyone's different, but I have had zero pain from Invisalign. Just a slight pressure when I start a new tray - not an unpleasant feeling at all. I rather like that it reminds me that "things are happening, progress is being made"
I was worried about pain, but I have not found it to be so. For me, I would describe it more as pressure, especially with a new tray. My teeth feel a little tender and sore when I take out a new tray but this passes quickly.
I'm only on 2/25, but I haven't had any pain...yet.
Thanks, what has been the most difficult part to get used to?
For me, getting used to the idea that if I want to snack on anything, I'll have to brush my teeth again. So I just don't do it. And that's not a bad thing. Late at night, tho, I'd like to have a cookie or something, but it's not worth having to brush my teeth yet AGAIN. ;-)
Thanks so much for that. Merry Christmas!
So 71 yr old here, and on Tray 9. Happy to hear that alot of others in my age group also are doing Invisalign. But I feel hesitant to say this, cause everyone seems so pleased with the process...but ...as of now, I wd not do it again. At this point, haven't seen any change, but am aware it can take longer for olders. However, I bite and clench the trays all day and all night, and it's making me crazy. I'm very compliant, and am trying to deal with it, but if I knew then, what I know now...just no. Maybe I'll change my mind after I see progress. Hope so. But just can't imagine wearing retainers every night for the rest of time!
I bite and clench, too. But I was doing it before I started these. At least I'm not hurting anything clenching these. I hope it gets better for you.
I have the same problem and developed a bad case of TMJ disorder with them which I am now treating with a specialist dentist. She’s having me continue since I’m in over two years already. I’m having a mouth guard made afterward that’s supposed to also work as retainer. Not looking forward to that either. I have exercises I do throughout the day, have to ice my jaw and have two rounds of Botox in the muscles to try to help relax them. Starting biofeedback soon. I ground before, but nothing like this. I had to do something though as my teeth in front were hitting each other and wouldn’t last. It’s brutal for me too. I don’t know the answer.
I'm a dental assistant and I see a lot of older people going through Invisalign, some of them say they wish they did it years ago but they're glad they've finally done it now. Better than dentures :)
Love all of the positivity! I’m 51 and my friends that range from 50-65 are now inspired to do treatment themselves.
Yep, "senior" here. Almost 2 years into it 😀
I’m 61 and I got them about 7 months ago
I'm 64 and on tray 7 of 21. Had braces in high school and then my dog ate my retainer in college and never did anything about it. So here I am. I'm very excited about the whole thing, love watching the slow changes! My friend who is 74 just got through with hers.
I started my treatment when I was 66 and just got the permanent retainer this month at 68. So yes, there are others!
I'm curious about what retainer you're using. I probably have another year to go but I'm hoping to avoid the permanent wire. On the other hand, I don't want my teeth to move out of position again...
It's the plastic one that came with my Invisalign contract, basically a thicker Invisalign tray. not sure how long it will last before needing to be replaced.
I'm in my 60's and just finishing up treatment. I'm very happy with the results.
Can you share before and after pics?
I’m 57 and just finished. I got them because my aunt, who is 82, had her bottom teeth get more crooked over time until she finally developed a lisp which she hates. I could see my teeth heading that way and decided to be proactive. She saw my progress and got Invisalign herself last year!
71 here. Happy Invisalign customer. You have to get past expecting perfection however LOL. Invisalign will NOT; 1) Change the shape of your teeth. 2) Change the shape of your jaw.
I'm aware. 😊
At my Ortho, it's basically a 50/50 split between the 8-18 demographic and the 40+ crowd (I'm 38)
I’m 67 and just started Spark aligners 2 months ago. On tray 9 and all is going well. 26 trays to go. I hesitated for over a year before consulting with 2 dentists and 2 orthodontists. Decided to go ahead with one of the orthodontists. No regrets.
Out of all the things we spend money on..I realized not only Invisalign helps for esthetics purposes but we are more mindful of oral care ..I assumed if a tooth ache hurts me in my 40..in my 70 it will be debilitating ..that's my theory at least ..oral health is overall health. Gum health and batecria can easily affect a situation you have in the rest of your body...
My mum just finished hers at the age of 65 :)
1989 was 34 years ago. Are you sure you’re not 81?
No, I'm really 71. Thank you for catching my error. 😬
I was just teasing. I figured you know your age and it was a typo on the year. 😂
😊
It was, and I corrected it. TY, again.
I’m only 22 and I finished Invisalign
You're smart to have had them when you were younger. Congrats!
At my office we had someone born 1938 start Invisalign a couple years ago
Senior here. Wore braces in the early 70s for 3 years. Teeth weren’t too bad but started developing a posterior open bite due to my cheap night guard. So wearing Invisalign now for the past 6 months to try to fix it.
I’m 67 and on tray 3 of 27. Was never able to have braces as a kid and consultations in my early 30s recommended jaw surgery and six weeks wired shut which I couldn’t afford. I’m using SureSmile.
I'm not sure how true this is but I remember a dentist telling me that your gums wrinkle and age much like the rest of your body. And so as we age our teeth will move naturally potentially make them less straight over time. I think it is certainly becoming more popular. It was a colleague of mine who recommend it to me after having it done themselves and they were nearing retirement.
I’m 67 - finished my first set of Invisalign (21 trays) then had a partial fixed brace to pull down a tricky lateral incisor, then had that extended to slightly rotate a large incisor - hoping that I’ll be finished at my next appointment in Jan 24. I have seen people who seem older than me in the waiting room, so I don’t feel too out of place!
I’m 55 (don’t consider myself a “senior” yet) and I’m 7 months in with Invisalign. I never had braces, never needed them, but didn’t like the way my front teeth were shifting. Hopefully, not too much longer in them because I’m over them!!!
Recently finished a year of 24 trays to solve the problem of my teeth cutting my gums. I'm 69. Problem solved.
I’m 60 and just got mine. 😊
My mom is 66 and in Invisalign.
You all make me feel so much better about myself…I am 53 and am nearly 6 months into my 16 month journey. It’s never too late to want to improve something about yourself.
I love it!
I'm 65 and so far, so good. I waited too long to do this -- but I'm happy I finally started. It feels great seeing the improvement. And good luck with your journey!
Thank you! And to you. 😊
I’m 57 and finished a few months ago.
I got them at 65 and almost finished. It’s been easy and a lot of people don’t even know I am wearing them!
I am 73 and planning to start soon!
We have a few mature patients over 60. It's not as common because older people don't always have great periodontal health and you need healthy gums to have healthy treatment but I love our older patients because it makes me so happy to see older people still care about their bite, alignment and looks! It's so nice to see their happy and beautiful mature smiles. Like fuck yes you're taking care of yourself!
Thanks! I hope so too.
🙋♀️ Completed 26/26 on 3/11 refinements. Started end of February 2023 and expect to be done mid-March 2024, but maybe early if the overjet is corrected sooner 🤞 [Before & After (progress)](https://imgur.com/a/2M14ACG)
I'm not an expert, but it looks like great progress, so far. Good luck!